Intermittent spastic contractions of the muscles in back, neck, legs. Usual presentation includes cow “kicking” one leg out behind her for several minutes, then it stops. Can occur in both back legs. no tx.

What are the benefits of a float tank for down animals? What condition is it very good for? what are conditions you SHOULDN'T use it for? what other probs with this therapy are there?

Water allows animal to maintain it’s own weight. Great for obturator nerve paralysis. Deadly for cervical fractures. If cow is very septic and weak…not a good choice. Be aware of hypothermia & mastitis.

If you want to use a sling for a down animal, what should you be cautious of? How long should they be in the sling?

Position correctly so that you do not create excess pressure. Only leave in for short periods of time…never unattended

what are hip lifts/how are they used?

Attaches to tuber coxae, Lifted with tractor or chain pulley

what is Compartmentalization Syndrome?

Muscle damage due to compression on the large muscles from being down for extended periods of time. ( Down for 4 – 6 hours in the same position.)

how long will an animal be down before it is considered a humane issue and euthanasia is considered?

Open up muscle to create aerobic environment. Give Penicillin!!!! (Drug of choice for clostridial infections in ruminants.) and provide supportive care.

how can you prevent blackleg?

Multivalent vaccines available: Give at 2mo, booster every 3-4weeks, then an annual booster. If there is an outbreak, Booster everyone 2 mos. & older

3 ways spores get into the system?

IM injections, trauma, migration from GI tract

Malignant Edema is caused by what? where does it usually live/how does it usually get into the body?

Clostridium septicum(exSEPTIcumally strange to have edema as a clostridium prob), Found in soil.Usually enters body via wound. Clinical signs can occur after dystocia

what are the clinical signs of malignant edema (what causes it again?)

(Clostridium septiccum) HENCE: think septicemia! You will see depression, loss of appetite, fever, can be recumbent. Will also see Wet doughy swelling around the wound. Usually extends from vulva down one leg.

how dangerous is clostridium septicum (whats this cause again?)

malignant edema, Death frequently occurs in 24 to 48 hours

what does a clostridium septicum wound look like?

Necrotic, darkened, foul-smelling areas under the skin, often extending into muscle. Very little, if any, gas is associated with the swellings.

how do you tx malignant edema?

(CLOSTRIDIUM septicum) clostridium= PENICILLIN also debride wounds and provide supportive care. There is also a multivalent vx

vertically through colostrum/milk, horizontal transmission can take place between adults with constant exposure

how common is CAE in the US? how common are false negatives/why?

>80% of U.S. herds have positive animals.( Serologic conversion does not necessarily indicate clinical disease) Prolonged time from infection to seroconversion often results in goats with leukoencephalomyelitis being negative on test.